Leading crop science company, Syngenta, has been confirmed as a Silver Corporate Partner of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). The company received the recognition for its commitment to inspiring future chemical engineers and sharing industry best practice.

Syngenta employs 28,000 people worldwide, investing more than $1.3bn in R&D each year. Silver Corporate Partnership status covers its UK operations, with sites in Grangemouth, Huddersfield and Jealott’s Hill in Berkshire, in recognition of their work in growing the next crop of engineering talent.

Syngenta UK participates in school and community engagement activities through visits to its Jealott’s Hill site and at its specially developed Community Science Lab in Huddersfield, which shows young people how science is applied in industry. Chemical engineers across all three UK Sites also give time to community engagement work – through mentoring, assessment, and as whynotchemeng ambassadors (IChemE’s school outreach programme).

Chemical engineering students from the University of Huddersfield and University of Edinburgh undertake work placements at Syngenta. The company also hosts site tours for undergraduates, providing insight to career opportunities in the industry.

For employees, the company’s internal online learning forum, LEAP provides a platform for its chemical engineers all over the world to share knowledge and participate in collaborative problem-solving; in areas such as process technology, modelling and process management. Those working to become Chartered Chemical Engineers are also supported through the company's training scheme, accredited by IChemE.

“I'm delighted to recognise Syngenta with this certificate of Silver Corporate Partnership. The Company has shown a strong commitment to sharing best practice in chemical engineering, and providing training and development opportunities for its staff - essential for chemical engineers who aspire to become professionally- recognised Chartered Engineers.

“The people I've met at Syngenta show a passion for their work and a genuine enthusiasm for community outreach. They are working to inspire and encourage the next generation of engineers and scientists and helping society to understand why chemical engineering matters.”

“Syngenta is fast becoming an employer of choice in the communities where we operate, and we are delighted that our commitment to the development of chemical engineers in the UK has been recognised in this way. We value our Corporate Partner status with IChemE, so we can raise the profile of how important chemical engineering is to the UK, retaining skilled engineers and developing the next generation of talent.”

Process Engineering Team Leader at Syngenta Huddersfield Michael Bryce, who was involved in the accreditation process, said;

“It’s fantastic to receive IChemE recognition of Syngenta’s Process Engineering Graduate training scheme, through which I was one of the first cohort to complete. I can say from first-hand experience that through all the work Syngenta does to attract, develop and retain new engineers, there is a positive net effect on skills development in the profession. Achieving Silver Corporate Partner status will help potential future graduates understand the standards that Syngenta operates to as an employer.”

What is chemical engineering?

Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.

With an international membership exceeding 40,000 in around 100 countries, the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) aims to be the organisation of choice for chemical engineers. It promotes competence and a commitment to best practice, advances the discipline for the benefit of society and supports the professional development of its members. IChemE is the only organisation to award Chartered Chemical Engineer and Professional Process Safety Engineer status.

Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, its 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. It is committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities.